PHLY Offers Prevention Advice During Safe Steps Week

The goal of the effort by the Philadelphia Insurance Companies is to help businesses avoid serious slips and falls during the fall and winter.

Oct 24, 2013

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is offering assistance this week to insurance agents, risk management professionals, and businesses at www.phly.com/safesteps, including a Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Guide, as part of what it calls Safe Steps Week. This is meant to raise awareness and safety as seasonal weather brings on increased risks.

The company notes there are 8.9 million emergency room visits and 25,000 deaths each year due to slips, trips, and falls, according to the National Safety Council.

"The combination of wet leaves, unshoveled or icy sidewalks, and wet floors from these seasonal conditions all contribute to a greater risk for accidents as we head into the colder months," said Mark Konchan, vice president of PHLY's Risk Management Services. "That's why PHLY's Safe Steps Week is an important reminder for everyone to think about proper safety measures, now and hopefully year-round."

Along with the guide, the website offers downloadable self-assessment checklists and the opportunity to submit a safety question to PHLY online or schedule a one-on-one risk management consultation. PHLY also is posting tips on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn highlighting and using the hashtag #SafeSteps.

"Failure to take simple risk management steps can lead to severe injury for individuals and put financial strain on a business or organization," Konchan said. "Employee injuries from falls can lead to missed time and productivity disruptions. Accidents that injure the public or customers can lead to high medical and legal defense costs. Just five minutes of time or a five dollar safety investment can save dozens of hours, thousands of dollars in the long run, and possibly someone's life."